In her shoes

Published: April 17, 2014;Last modified: April 17, 2014 05:00AM

THE HISTORIC Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo was quite a sight on Saturday afternoon as about 50 men in high heels walked about.

While there were plenty of smiles at the gathering, the reason for the men’s fashion selection was a somber one. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and participants were attempting to raise the awareness of sexual violence and rape.

According to U.S. statistics, one in four girls and one in six boys will experience a sexual assault before the age of 18. One in five women and one in 71 men will be raped at some point in their lives.

“Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” is a national gentlemen’s walk aimed at drawing attention to those startling numbers and to let victims know that help and support is available to them.

Pueblo Rape Crisis Services, which helped sponsor Saturday’s mile-long walk, provides a 24-hour confidential crisis hotline at 719-549-0549. Other services are available for those seeking help. In 2013, PRCS served 593 victims of abuse, rape and violence. Some 172 calls came in through the crisis hotline.

The numbers of victims served has been on the rise, according to PRCS officials. Case numbers have grown between 8 and 12 percent annually for a number of years, proving that assaults and rape are a problem requiring action locally as well.

We salute all the men (and women) who took time to participate in this year’s walk. By shining the light on rape and sexual assault, the community shows its commitment to helping ensure the safety and protection of everyone.

The editorials appearing on the editorial page are the opinions of The Pueblo Chieftain as decided by the newspaper's editorial board. Members of the board are Robert H. Rawlings, publisher and editor; Jane Rawlings, assistant publisher; Jeff Holmquist, editorial page editor; and Tom McAvoy, editorial research director.